Games for week ending Oct. 28
Chiefs 29, Raiders 28: The most
celebrated and fiercest rivalry in the NFL. The second installment is Dec. 28.
Raiders looked like Super Bowl contenders, along with New England, but now need
to hustle to get into the playoffs. Overage Raiders must outscore the Chiefs and
that may not happen. Chiefs +3 / OVER.
Vikings 27, Bears 24: The
Vikings can take on Chicago successfully, though they are a sorry bunch.
Chicago’s luck of 2001 is not around now. Vikings —1½.
Falcons 24, Saints 23: The
Saints are the hottest team in the NFL, while the Falcons are improving. Michael
Vick is healthy and that’s trouble for New Orleans. The Atlanta defense can be
stout. Falcons +5.
Jets 20, Browns 13: The Jets won their second game against an inept Minnesota bunch. Two more victories and they will be in line for a Super Bowl berth. Chad Pennington is a solid QB and complements the running of Curtis Martin. Jets —3.
Bucs 20, Panthers 10: Tampa
Bay is the master of defense, but can’t score too much or don’t know how.
The Bucs should get the job done against Carolina’s lack of offense. Bucs
—6.
Ravens 19, Steelers 16: The
Ravens defense comes to the rescue here, plus the fact Pittsburgh’s secondary
is missing. Steelers don’t figure to run against Baltimore, but the pass
could. Ravens —1.
Bills 34, Lions 24: Buffalo’s stellar offense should add another scalp. Drew Bledsoe figures to shine before the home folks. Bills —7 / OVER.
Bengals 27, Titans 24: The
Bengals win their first of the season with more to follow. Cincy is knocking on
the door. The line is gravy. Bengals +5½.
Seahawks 20, Cowboys 17:
Making Dallas a three-point favorite is quite a reach for a team with very
little offense. The Dallas defense can keep the game close. Our suggestion is
the UNDER, but we prefer a side. Seahawks +3.
49ers 31, Cardinals 10: San
Francisco’s defense made QB Aaron Brooks look like Johnny Unitas. Another
performance like that and the Niners will be looking for defensive help. Home
field and Cardinals lack of punch give Niners an easy win. 49ers —8.
Broncos 27, Pats 24: New
England must be wondering why it let Bledsoe leave for Buffalo. Must have second
thoughts about Tom Brady at QB. The luster has worn off and media rumblings have
begun. Broncos +3.
Jaguars 30, Texans 10: Good
thing Texans upended Dallas in season opener. Looks like the second victory will
have to wait until 2003. Jaguars stubbed their toe against Ravens, but Houston
defense doesn’t have much to offer. Jaguars —10½.
Redskins 27, Colts 24: The
Indy defense is not impressive. Rookie QB Patrick Ramsey could have stellar day.
Shootout favors Colts, however the Redskins look good as a home dog. Redskins
+2.
Giants 24, Eagles 20: The Giants have been poison to Philly and with a bye week should be more than ready. All they have to do is stop Donovan McNabb. It’s possible. Giants +6.